Bladen County Department of Health and Human Services has confirmed numerous cases of COVID-19 in Bladen County. As part of the Town of White Lake’s continued response to the COVID-19 pandemic, to further protect local residents from the community spread of coronavirus (COVID-19), and pursuant to its Declaration of State of Emergency, it is hereby ordered that the date of April 30, 2020, in COVID-19 Bulletin #1 be extended to May 8, 2020, at 5:00 p.m. to coincide with the Stay at Home Order of the Governor.
All previous restrictions from the Governor and Bladen County Commissioners including the prohibition of mass gatherings remain in place. All non-resident property owners or renters are prohibited from entering the Town of White-Lake at the present time and continuing through May 8, 2020, at 5:00 p.m. There shall also be a discontinuance of All Short-term Rental Operations including but not limited to, campgrounds, motels, and other short-term stay rental properties. No new rental occupancies of a duration of fewer than 90 days shall be allowed within the Town of White Lake until at least May 8, 2020. Any future extensions will be based upon an analysis of the current situation in regards to COVID-19.
The following exemptions shall apply:
1. Individuals or entities renting within the Town for purposes of providing essential public services as determined by the Town including but not limited to, health care services personnel.
2. All on-street parking of unauthorized vehicles is prohibited. Government agencies, town employees, and authorized contractors of the Town are exempt from this regulation.
3. Private contractors working on projects with a valid and current building or those working on projects authorized by state or federal agencies.
4. Drive-in church services only may be held as long as health precautions are met. The following guidelines apply:
1. Attendees must meet the 6′ social distancing requirement and must stay in the vehicle.
2. No window to window parking. The “staggering” approach for vehicles is highly recommended.
3. Vehicle occupants are restricted to immediate family members or household members.
It is imperative to take measures to mitigate the consequences of COVID-19 and not overwhelm our healthcare system and essential services. A shortage of medical and personal protection supplies is a huge concern. The intent of extending the date on this declaration is to decrease the risk of exposure and limit the spread of COVID -19 in White Lake by eliminating non-essential travel within the Town’s corporate limits and the congregation of persons in public places or buildings, thereby reducing the number of individuals in the Town and ultimately reducing potential virus spread and the burden on our healthcare system.
I strongly encourage all citizens to adhere to the guidelines and regulations established by the CDC and Bladen County Department of Health and Human Resources including Social Distancing, limited mass gatherings, and all other recommended steps to prevent the spread of the virus. The Town encourages all persons to visit www.cdc.gov and www.bladencodhhs.gov for continued updates.
NOTE: ANY PERSON WHO VIOLATES ANY PROVISIONS OF THIS DECLARATION OR ANY PROVISION OF ANY EXECUTIVE ORDER ISSUED BY THE GOVERNOR SHALL BE GUILTY OF A CLASS 2 MISDEMEANOR IN ACCORDANCE WITH N.C. GENERAL STATUTE $14-288.20A.
H. Goldston Womble, Jr.
Mayor
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